Anti-Trump protests continue days after election

Thousands of anti-Trump protesters gathered in unity in an effort to bring awareness to racism and sexist remarks made by president-elect Donald Trump for the fourth day straight on Saturday, November. 12, 2016. Protesters gathered in Millennium Park around 10 a.m. before marching up Michigan Avenue before turning on Wacker Drive to protest in front of Trump Tower as police blocked off roads leading to the entrance.

This did not stop protesters from circling part of the city from Wacker Drive to State St. to Adams St. before heading back to Michigan Ave. Protesters carried picket signs with some saying “Women Are No Joke,” “Love Trumps Hate,” and “America Was Never Great,” as people of all ages marched around the Loop.

“I’d say there is a similar reaction to the vote like with Brexit,” said Financial Times UK Chicago correspondent Lindsay Whipp. “Of course, there is a lot of differences as well,” Whipp continued as she walked alongside protesters.

“I protest because as a member of a social justice institution, it is my duty to stand up for injustice that I see in the world,” said Roosevelt University residential adviser and biology major Justin McMillon.

McMillon states he attended the protest to show solidarity to those feeling targeted specifically by the controversy created by President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

“I have a lot of family and friends who are LGBT, or people of color, and/or women who are actually really fearful for their lives and their safety and I feel that’s wrong.” said Claire Quinn who is pursuing her BFA in acting. “I feel the government should protect us,” Quinn continued.

“I would just like to mention the diverse range of people I see at protests,” said protester Darcy Dunn, an English major. While the protest initially started as a small group, it grew larger the longer they continued marching. Dunn continues to say she noticed a variety of different people of all ages and backgrounds coming together.

“I’m protesting because I do not want to sit idly by as hateful rhetoric and the marginalization of minorities happen,” said protester Shanica Wofford, a biology major, referring to the comments made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding minorities, the LGBT+ community, and the Muslim communities in the United States. Wofford later said she fears the mentality of some Trump supporters who are comfortable with racism, sexism and other phobias regarding specific people.

Traffic was halted in this largely peaceful protest. Some drivers took pictures, recorded videos, or honked car horns in succession which was met with loud cheers by demonstrators. Those who did not participate in the protest stood on the sides of the street. Police on bicycles blocked demonstrators from walking on the side of street with oncoming traffic, containing the marching to one side of the road.

Protests started almost immediately after the declaration of Trump’s win of the election the Tuesday of Nov. 8, making this last Saturday the fourth straight day of protests. Protests are expected to continue as rallies gain more followers to join in their cause.